Advocate

Advocate

In 2003, Virginia was in last place among state spending on the environment. Thus began an effort that by 2006 evolved into the non-profit organization VIRGINIAforever. Our diverse group of environmental advocates and business leaders began in earnest its work to encourage greater spending on the environment by the Virginia General Assembly.

Since our formation, VIRGINIAforever has been influential in expanding land and water conservation programs in addition to sustaining results-driven, state-funded programs to improve the quality of life in Virginia. We do so through our strong advocacy efforts.

How we advocate

VIRGINIAforever meets with agency heads and key government officials, attends committee meetings and hearings, and conducts direct outreach to lawmakers. We help educate decision makers on current land and water concerns, as well as the impact of funding and budget amendments on environmental programs. We closely monitor budget discussions affecting the Water Quality Improvement Fund and the Virginia Land Conservation Fund.

What we advocate for

In 2023, VIRGINIAforever developed a new edition of its Funding Plan, The VIRGINIAforever Natural Resource Investment Plan sets forth investments needed to accomplish the
Commonwealth’s land conservation and water quality improvement goals from 2025 through 2028. These investments are critical to ensure that our natural resources stay protected today, tomorrow and into the future, include the following:

ENABLING LAND CONSERVATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS IN THE COMMONWEALTH:

  • $220 million total for land conservation grant programs
  • $360M total for Land Preservation Tax Credit
  • $550M total for state parks, other public lands, and trails

ENSURING WATER QUALITY IN THE BAY, ITS TRIBUTARIES AND OTHER WATERWAYS:

  • $988 million total for wastewater treatment plant upgrades
  • $200 million total for stormwater projects
  • $894.2 million total for Agricultural Cost-Share program

Funding resilience programs to protect land and water in Virginia at $100 million per year.

Increasing funding for natural resources-related state agencies to ensure efficient execution of all critical functions.

 

Read our full report here.

How you can help

VIRGINIAforever greatly appreciates support from land and water advocates across the Commonwealth. You can help VIRGINIAforever’s advocacy efforts by contacting your legislator to express your concern about land preservation and water quality issues and request his or her support for increased state funding for natural resource protection. For tips on contacting your legislator, contact us.